Obesity

Obesity and overweight are serious problems that pose a huge and growing financial burden on national resources. The health consequences of obesity and overweight are many and varied, ranging from an increased risk of premature death to health problems such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and psychological complaints. The conditions are largely preventable through lifestyle changes such as healthy diets and increased levels of physical activity to control overweight and obesity. Obesity is a complex issue which requires active participation of many groups including governments, health professionals, the food industry, the media and consumers.

Childhood obesity in Europe is increasing, with 1 in 3 11-year-olds classified as either overweight or obese. This infographic explains the risks of childhood obesity as well as highlighting 10 tips to encourage healthy habits in kids.

The 24th European Congress on Obesity, took place in the wonderful city of Porto from the 17-20 May, 2017. EUFIC, in collaboration with EASO, has produced short interviews with take home messages. Watch and enjoy!

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity has presented its consensus report with a set of recommendations that are likely to be most effective at tackling the rising trend of children being overweight...

The 22nd European Congress on Obesity (ECO), hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Prague, Czech Republic, in May 2015. Obesity remains a major public health priority in Europe...

In May 2014, the 21st European Congress on Obesity (ECO), hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. Obesity is one of the fastest developing public health problems of our time...

Schools are regarded as a promising intervention target to counteract the increase of childhood obesity levels. In this context, the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) published a report this summer...

In May 2013, the 20th European Congress on Obesity, hosted by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), took place in Liverpool. With the prevalence of obesity still on the rise, the objectives of this annual forum...

Prevention is widely recognised to be the most efficient and cost-effective way to tackle the obesity epidemic; the most promising approaches target populations rather than individuals, are focused on environmental and policy changes...

Researchers from seven European countries have joined forces to assess overweight and obesity rates and energy-balance related behaviour in schoolchildren throughout Europe. Childhood overweight and obesity rates...

In May 2012, experts from around the world gathered in Lyon for the 19th European Congress on Obesity. Global rates of obesity are rising rapidly, making the management and prevention of obesity and obesity-related disorders...

Young obese subjects were found to have a lower ability to identify the correct taste qualities and rated sweetness lower in intensity compared to their normal-weight peers. These are the results of a cross-sectional study...

Mothers of overweight toddlers tended to be more satisfied with their child's body size, but less accurate in judging it. In contrast, mothers of underweight toddlers judged their child’s actual body size more accurately...

Sleep restriction might lead to a greater propensity to overeat due to increased activation of the brain in response to food stimuli, according to US researchers from Columbia University and St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital in New York...

It is estimated that the number of obese people in Europe has increased threefold since the 1980’s, also in countries with traditionally low prevalence. At the same time we live longer than ever. And with age the risk for overweight increases...

Organised by the International Association for the Study of Obesity (IASO) the 11th International Congress of Obesity took place in Stockholm 11th to 15th of July 2010. The Congress gathered scientists from around the globe...

Portion sizes of ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals have steadily increased over the past decade. This has prompted concern from health educators because larger portion sizes may cause over-consumption of energy and weight gain. A new US study suggests that this analysis is correct.

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EUFIC is a non-profit organisation that provides clear, practical information on food and health, based on sound science. We believe in a world where people choose to live healthily because they know how to.